We just heard some delicious news. The ever popular Blue Mountains Chili Cookoff is no longer just about chili. Starting this year, it’s the Blue Mountains Chili Ribfest. As if we needed more reasons to attend! And it’s being held just down the road from Meaford at the Cedar Run Horse Park.
The Thornbury-Clarksburg Rotary Chili Cookoff began 27 years ago, and quickly grew into an annual favourite in the Southern Georgian Bay area, with a motley group of teams competing for awards in various styles of chili for both “professional” judges and the people’s choice. The winner of the Texas Chili (no filler!) competition wins the Ontario championship, which gains the team entry into the Texas Competition and some cash to help out.
For a few years, the Cookoff has been held in the Village at Blue Mountain, but the inaugural Blue Mountains Chili Ribfest will be held in the pastoral beauty of the new Cedar Run Horse Park, a state-of-the-art equestrian even facility on 250 acres of rolling countryside with stunning views of Georgian Bay.
Over the years, one of the Chili Cookoff’s favourite teams, with numerous wins for People’s Choice, Best Costume, and the ultimate – the Texas Chili Championship – was the infamous Clan Bravefahrt of Meaford.
Meaford's infamous Clan Bravefahrt wins the Championship
Sadly, the Clan has faded away, but your faithful blogger was able to get his hands on the secret recipe for Bravefahrt chili from Angus Bravefahrt himself (aka Blair Smith). A few wee drams of Scotch was all it took to persuade him. Alas, I canna share it at this point, but perhaps down the road, Angus may allow it.
Angus Bravefahrt shows off his sporran to a wee lass
